Romney: Palin is 'Best Thing' That Could Happen to Me

Presidential contender Mitt Romney says former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin did not spoil his announcement that he was seeking the GOP nomination by being in New Hampshire on the same day. Romney also said on CNN Monday if anything it was a good thing for him.

“I can say to you that I think Sarah Palin is — is generating enthusiasm and interest in a campaign this year. That's a good thing,” Romney told CNN’s Piers Morgan. “She has a lot of energy and passion and bringing it to — to our race is — is positive for us. And, frankly she really didn't ruin my day.

“Well, in a lot of respects, it’s the best thing that could happen to me,” he said. “Right now, your greatest enemy is overexposure. People get tired of seeing the same person day in and day out.”

Romney also said he respects Palin and they really aren’t all that far apart on issues important to Republicans.

“I think she and I both believe that government is too big. And, interestingly, in our party, whether you’re — you’re a tea partier or you're from another wing of the party, the message is all the same,” he said. “Right now, the message that you're hearing from Republicans is government is too big; it’s too intrusive; and the economy is a wreck. People are in crisis and the president doesn’t understand it.”

Morgan asked what Romney thought of the rest of the potential candidates.

“Well, they’re all serious contenders. I think it’s too hard to predict who's going to become our nominee, who will be the two finalists,” Romney said. “I think usually you have two people that end up battling it down the — down the stretch. I don’t know who they will be. I believe I’m going to be one of those two and that I'll finally get the nomination, but I can't tell you who the other person will be.”

Presidential contender Mitt Romney says former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin did not spoil his announcement that he was seeking the GOP nomination by being in New Hampshire on the same day. Romney also said on CNN Monday if anything it was a good thing for him.
I can say to you...